The Consumer Assistance Program is basically California’s way to help drivers repair a vehicle to pass the smog test or pay them cash to get their clunkers off the road. The goal of the smog check program is to help improve or protect improvements in the state’s air quality.

Smog Test Repair Assistance (Failed Smog test Required)

If you fail your smog check, and meet income requirements, California will send you a $500 smog check repair voucher that you may use at any participating smog test and repair station. Smog check and repair stations can be found by visiting Smog Coupons.

Vehicle Retirement (Smog test NOT Required)

If for any reason you want to turn in your clunker, California will pay income eligible drivers up to $1500 for the vehicle. All other drivers will be paid $1000.

Repair Assistance FAQs

1. What is the Repair Assistance Program?

The Repair Assistance Program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) and is designed to help improve California’s air quality. The Repair Assistance Program provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that fails its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance towards certain emissions-related repairs.

2. What are the requirements to repair my vehicle through CAP?

Eligibility requirements are available here.

3. How do I participate in Repair Assistance?

If your vehicle fails its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection, you may submit a completed CAP application. To obtain a CAP application, click hereor contact the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Consumer Information Center at (800) 952-5210.

4. Are there documents I should submit with my application?

You may be required to provide documentation verifying your household income. Click here for a list of acceptable income documents.

5. How will I be notified if I qualify?

After your application is processed, you will be mailed a determination letter. In general, CAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date of receipt.

6. If approved, what can I expect?

If approved, you will receive a Letter of Eligibility which will provide specific instructions on how to repair your vehicle through CAP.

7. Where do I take my vehicle for repairs?

You must take your vehicle to a STAR Test-and-Repair station authorized to repair vehicles participating in CAP. Click here for a list of STAR Test-and-Repair stations authorized to perform CAP repairs or call (800) 952-5210.

8. Is there a deadline for repairing my vehicle through CAP?

Yes. Repairs on your vehicle must start before the expiration date indicated on your Letter of Eligibility.

9. If I take my vehicle to a non-STAR Test-and-Repair station, will CAP provide financial assistance toward the cost of repairs?

No. CAP is only authorized to pay for repairs that are completed by STAR Test-and-Repair stations that have entered into an agreement with BAR to perform state subsidized emissions-related repair work.

10. What costs am I initially responsible for paying?

Participation in Repair Assistance requires that, as a co-payment, consumers pay the total costs associated with the testing and diagnosis of the emissions-related failures for their vehicle. The payment shall be made directly to a STAR Test-and-Repair station that is authorized to perform CAP repairs.